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By Shamim Chowdhury
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A tugboat powered by ammonia set sail along a tributary of the Hudson River for the first time on Sunday, marking an important step toward reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry.
The vessel, once reliant on diesel, was acquired by the New York-based startup Amogy, which re-engineered it to run on ammonia—a clean, carbon-free fuel.
CEO Seonghoon Woo, who founded Amogy with three friends, said: "Without addressing this issue, achieving a sustainable planet is impossible. This isn't just a problem for future generations; it's a pressing concern for ours."
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The group launched Amogy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sought to find cleaner energy solutions for heavy industries and, in November 2020, began operating at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
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The name "Amogy" is a blend of ammonia and energy, reflecting their focus on renewable fuel.
The friends found the 67-year-old tug at Feeney Shipyard in Kingston, New York. Once an icebreaker, the boat had fallen into disuse, making it the perfect candidate for transformation.
They named it NH3 Kraken, referencing ammonia's chemical formula and the process of 'cracking' it into hydrogen and nitrogen.
Woo said: "Our project is about demonstrating viable technology while sending a clear message that we must act swiftly."
Using a fuel cell, the NH3 Kraken operates as an electric-powered vessel, aligning with the International Maritime Organization's goal of achieving net-zero emissions for international shipping by 2050.
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At the moment, the maritime sector accounts for around 3 percent of global totals according to the United Nations.
Despite a lack of widely available solutions for deep-sea shipping's decarbonization, ammonia is emerging as a promising alternative fuel due to its carbon-free composition.
However, it is not without challenges. Most of it is currently produced from natural gas, which poses environmental concerns. Its combustion requires careful management to prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
Amogy, however, utilizes green ammonia generated from renewable energy, significantly mitigating these risks.
With a 2,000-gallon tank fitting into the old fuel storage area, the NH3 Kraken can operate for 10 to 12 hours at sea.
The process splits ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen, generating electricity without harmful emissions. While trace amounts of nitrogen oxides are produced, the company is focused on eliminating these entirely.
The technology is designed to be adaptable for various vessel sizes. It also has potential for generating clean energy on land.
Amogy previously demonstrated its ammonia technology with a drone in 2021 and a semi-truck in 2023.
Having secured approximately $220 million in funding, Amogy counts Amazon among its investors.
It is now collaborating with major shipbuilders to expand ammonia power in maritime operations, including South Korea's Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai groups.
This article includes additional reporting by The Associated Press
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